Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret
Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret
Author: Aya Starr
One
Author: Aya Starr
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-25 17:47:43

The golden sheen of sunset makeup cast a soft glow into the modest living room of the Moretti home. A fire crackled upon the hearth as Cassio adjusted a chair, calloused hands betraying his new life of labour. He looked at the time; his heart grew with anticipation.

Tonight was to be special. He had been planning for weeks.

"Milena," he called, the deepness of his voice carrying through the house, "are you ready? Dinner's almost served."

Milena came out of their bedroom, her face taut, lips pursed. She was in a simple dress but the beauty of her was overwhelmed by an aura of discontent.

Dinner?" she echoed, cocking one eyebrow. "Cassio, I thought we decided to celebrate somewhere… decent. Not in this…"

Her hand flailed around the room in distaste.

The lines in Cassio's forehead deepened a bit further, though his tone remained even. "I thought it meaningful to celebrate here; it is where we built our life together.

Milena snorted. "Our life? This isn't a life, Cassio. It's survival. I didn't marry a war hero to end up in some backwater village."

The words cut like a knife. Cassio took a deep breath, his jaw hardening. "I thought you liked the peace here. Away from the chaos, the politics…

"I liked it at first," Milena admitted, crossing her arms. "But it wore off. Cassio, you are meant for greatness, not…whatever this is." She waved a hand toward his hands, which were roughened from working with wood and farming.

Cassio took yet another step closer, trying to bridge the growing divide between them. "Milena, I chose this life for us. So we could have peace, a family…

His voice gentled. "Isn't that what you wanted?"

Milena's eyes shone, but not with tenderness. "What I wanted Cassio, was a man of power. A man who commanded respect. Not someone who spends his days fixing fences and bartering for firewood."

He winced but didn't budge. "Milena, I-"

"Enough," she whipped through her teeth, silencing him. "I cannot do this anymore."

Cassio's heart fell. "What are you saying?

She stepped back, her hands shaking as she fists them. "I'm saying I want out, Cassio. I want a divorce."

In a heartbeat, the room was silent but for the popping fire. Cassio stared at her, incredulity written across his handsome face.

"Divorce?" he repeated hoarsely. "Milena, we can get through this. Whatever it is you're feeling—

"No, Cassio!" she screamed back, wholly frustrated. "You don't get it, do you? I don't want this life. I don't want you. You are not the man I married."

Cassio's fists flashed to fists, chest rising and falling in an effort not to show how hard he was fighting to keep himself from coming completely unglued. "The man you married," he began low and even, "he gave everything for you. For us. I gave up my title, my army, my power-to keep you safe."

Milena laughed. "Safe? I never asked for that! You made those choices on your own, Cassio. And now I'm paying for them.

He took a shaking step back, the weight of her words upon him. "I thought you loved me," he whispered. "For who I am, not what I could give you."

Milena laughed bitterly. "I thought I did too. But love doesn't pay for the life I deserve. The luxuries, the prestige-" She broke off as her eyes fell on the small box Cassio had set on the table. "What's this?

Cassio swallowed hard. "It's your present.

She picked up the box, opened it. Lying inside was a sleek, gold card and state-of-the-art cell phone. She lifted a brow. "What am I supposed to gather from this?

"It's a VIP bank card," Cassio said softly. "There is no limit of spending on it. I had set it up through my connections in Diatora. And the phone-it's linked to my old military nets. I thought.it would remind you of who I was. Of us."

The gifts stared back at Milena for a long time while she glared at them, a scornful gale of laughter bursting from her mouth. She didn't hesitate but tossed the box onto the floor, card and phone clattering onto the hardwood.

"Is this a joke?" she demanded. "You think some flashy card and a phone can fix this?

Cassio's cool finally broke. "It's not about the card, Milena. It's about what it represents. I'm still the man you fell in love with. The man who fought for you, who would die for you!

Her gaze hardened. "Maybe I didn't want you to fight for me. Maybe I wanted you to fight with me-for a life worth living.

The words hung in the air like the knell of doom. Cassio slumped, the fight siphoning from his body.

"I see," he whispered, his voice barely audible as he stooped and picked up the discarded gift in a shaking hand. "If this is how you feel, Milena…then I won't stop you."

She blinked in surprise at the quick resignation of him. "You're not going to fight for us?

He watched her, amber eyes glinting with unshed tears. "I've fought enough battles. I won't fight one where I've already lost."

Milena turned away, her face inscrutable. "I'll send for my things tomorrow," she said briefly and left through the door.

With the click of the door, Cassio dropped into a chair; the weight of the evening crashed over him. The fire in the hearth ebbed-low, mirroring the light in his heart.

For the first time in years, Cassio Moretti-exalted lord and warrior-finally felt defeated.

Next morning, there was chill inside and outside the cottage. Cassio sat at the little kitchen table, staring at the breakfast he had made but hadn't touched. His old cell phone began to hum in soft hums in the absolute silence.

The name which appeared on the screen sounded so familiar. Silvia.

With a deep sigh and a defeated bend over, he answered, "Silvia,.

"Happy birthday, Lord Moretti!" Silvia's bright, effervescent voice sliced through the gloom like a knife. "How does it feel, being twenty-three? Your soldiers have been marking off the days on their calendars until today!"

Cassio's lips twisted wryly. "It feels. different this year."

Silvia's smile faltered as she caught something rare in his voice-melancholy. "Lord Moretti, is everything all right? You don't sound like yourself."

He leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his dark hair. "Let's skip the niceties, Silvia. What is the purpose of your call?"

"Ah," she said carefully, "I was calling to confirm today's itinerary. The generals were firm on one thing: that today was to be celebrated in style. They have arranged a banquet at the castle in Diatora, complete with speeches and-"

"No." Cassio's voice cut her off.

Silvia faltered. “No? But, my lord, they’ve traveled from across the region for this. Generals Vittorio, Alessia, and even old Captain Lucian have brought their families to honor you.”

“They should turn around and go home,” Cassio said, his voice hardened with bitterness.

“Cassio,” Silvia said, dropping the formalities. “What’s going on? You’ve never been this…dismissive before.”

He let out a dry laugh. "Let me tell you a little birthday story, Silvia. The woman for whom I gave up everything-the woman with whom I was so sure wanted to spend the rest of my life-told me last night that she seeks divorce."

Silvia looked so taken aback. "Milena? Why? I thought you two were happy!"

So did I, he returned tightly. Till she made it clear that she does not marry a man; she marries the title, the wealth, the power. All of which she thinks I no longer have.

That is utterly absurd! Silvia exclaimed. Everybody knows who you are. You may have stepped away, but your influence hasn't dimmed. If anything, it has grown!

Cassio laughed, low and bitter. "Not to her. To Milena I'm just a farmer who abandoned the life she wanted." He paused, his hands clenching on the edge of the table. "She doesn't know about the accounts or the castle-or the loyalty of my soldiers. She saw only what was in front of her."

Silvia's voice gentled. "Cassio, I'm so sorry. I just can't believe she…

The sentence trailed off as if she searched for words.

He shrugged, the motion feeling hollow. "It does not matter anymore. Let the generals celebrate without me. There is nothing left to celebrate here."

"Wait," Silvia said, her voice steady. "Cassio, you cannot run from this. You are more than what Milena sees. She is not the only one that counts. You have given so much to so many-people who do see your worth.

Cassio let out a weighty sigh. "Silvia, thanks, but this isn't really the time. Tell the soldiers I appreciate it, but I won't be going to any feast.

Silvia's voice was entreating. "Cassio, do not let her response define you. She may have spurned thee, but thou art the man who fought and won against a kingdom. Thou art yet Lord Moretti.".

There was a long moment of silence, her words settling in. Finally, he spoke, an edge of bitterness now in his voice. "If Milena couldn't see that, Silvia, perhaps it's time I stopped trying to prove myself to people who don't care."

A car pulling up outside forestalled Silvia's answer, and Cassio rose, striding to the window, frowning as he saw Milena alight, cold, her expression determined.

"I have to go," he muttered. "Milena's here."

"Cassio, wait—" Silvia began, but he hung up, tucking the phone into his pocket as he opened the door.

She was standing on the porch, arms crossed, her gaze wandering over the property with thinly veiled disdain.

"What are you doing here?" Cassio asked wearily.

She arched her eyebrow. "I came to pack my things. I did not think that you would mind."

He stepped aside and gestured for her to enter. "Do what you need to do."

As she brushed by him, her gaze came to rest on the detritus of last night's celebration: the candles still unlit, the wrapping box from her gift now cast aside beside the fire.

"Is this your celebration?" she remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Cassio's jaw clenched tighter. "It was. Before you chose to cut the evening short.

Milena shrugged, heading toward their bedroom. "Well, it wouldn't have mattered. I don't belong here, Cassio. And neither do you. You're clinging to a fantasy that doesn't suit you."

He followed her, his voice low but sharp. "And what suits me, Milena? War? Power? Wealth? Is that what you wanted?"

She spun to him, her face unrelenting. "Yes. That's who you are. Or at least, who you were. This

version of you? It's a shadow."

For a moment Cassio stared back, his chest thick with anger and sadness combined. Then he spoke, his steady voice low. "I hope one day you come to know the difference between a shadow and a foundation.

Milena snorted, reaching for her suitcase. "Save the metaphors, Cassio. They won't change a thing."

As she left through the door, the weight of her absence fell over him, but behind his mind, the words of Silvia remained, small sparks amongst darkness.

Maybe he had lost Milena. But his story was far from over.

Next Chapter

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  • Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret   Two

    The morning weighed wordless between Cassio and Milena, who faced the gray sky as they stood at the bus stop. Cassio clutched the divorce papers in his hand while entombing the other deep in his coat pocket. Milena scrolled her phone, expressionless.He turned to her then, his heart heavy either way. "Milena," he said quietly, first to break the silence, "are you sure about this?"She let out a deep sigh, her eyes still on her screen. "We have been through this, Cassio. Yes, I am sure.His jaw was clenched, but he refused to let the conversation go. "I mean, really sure. I'm giving you one last chance-one last chance to think about what we've shared, what we've built, even if it's small.Milena finally lifted her head, and her eyes were colder than ice. "What we've shared?" She laughed in anger. "Cassio, what have we built? A shack in the middle of nowhere? A life where every penny is accounted for? I told you before, this is not what I want."For the first time, Cassio's voice went s

  • Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret   Three

    The shock in Bruno's face gave way to near fascination as Silvia stepped toward him. That confident stride, the sharp features, and those piercing blue eyes had him entranced. He puffed out his chest and ran his palms against his pant legs in a weak attempt at composed behavior."Well, well," he began smoothly. "I don't know who you are, but you've got quite the .fiery personality.".Silvia was about as subtle as it gets. "Flattery isn't going to fix that mangled excuse of a car you're driving." She gave him a disapproving once-over. "And no amount of money could fix that face."Bruno's smirk was gone. "Watch your mouth, lady!" he snapped. Earlier admiration gone, his face had turned red with anger. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?Silvia tilted her head, feigning thought. “Hmm… A lowlife who thinks flaunting a car loan makes him important?”Milena jumped to Bruno’s defense, stepping between him and Silvia. “Don’t talk to Bruno like that! He’s worth more than you’ll ever b

  • Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret   Four

    Cassio's and Silvia's SUV disappeared down the tortuous road, leaving Milena and Bruno eating its dust of humiliation. Milena wiped the last of her tears and turned to Bruno, who was kicking the crushed remains of his car in frustration."Don't let it get to you," Bruno grumbled, throwing his arms in the air. "That whole charade back there was obviously staged. Who drives a '€10 million SUV' around and wastes their time with us? It's a bluff. A pathetic one."Milena hesitated but nodded slowly. “You’re right. It has to be. Cassio must’ve done this to make me regret leaving him.” She straightened her posture, forcing a smile. “But it won’t work. He’s probably drowning in debt, and that flashy woman—what’s her name? Silvia?—was probably hired to play along.”Bruno smirked. “Exactly. They’re desperate, trying to act high and mighty to fool us. But you’re smarter than that, babe.”She clung to the words as relief settled in. "Yeah, I'm smarter than that. Now we really can start building o

  • Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret   Five

    The air was cold in that office after the sharp reprimand by Vittoria Lombardi. Workers looked furtively at one another seemingly not knowing what to say or do next, while Cassio calmly and unhurriedly approached the door leading out."Mr. Moretti," called Vittoria after him-authoritative voice drowning the murmurs-"I would like to speak with you privately in my office."Cassio hesitated a second before nodding. Of course, Ms. Lombardi.He followed her down the sleek hall to the big corner office. The room, much like its occupant, was in glass from floor to ceiling-framing a view of the city skyline-minimalistic decor screaming power and sophistication. Vittoria waved him to take a seat and he did as directed."Would you like some coffee?" she offered much more relaxed now."No, thank you," said Cassio politely.Vittoria leaned back in her chair, folding her hands on the polished desk. “I’m going to get straight to the point, Mr. Moretti. Your departure would be a significant loss to

  • Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret   Six

    Cassio leaned back in his chair calmly and waited for Vittoria to return. The low hum of the office was cut by the unmistakable clack of high heels and boisterous laughter. Cassio rose and turned to his left to find Milena flanked by Bruno strode into the office. Her smug expression contorted sour as she scanned the room, undeniably unimpressed.Tommaso, ever eager to stir trouble, smirked at their arrival. “Well, well, look who decided to show up. The happy couple?” he sneered.Milena tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Save it. I’m not here for pleasantries.” She raised her voice, addressing the room. “I want everyone to know I’ve divorced this fraud.” She marched over to Cassio’s desk and slammed a document down in front of him. “Here’s proof!”The room fell silent; all eyes were on the divorce certificate. Cassio barely looked at it before he started gathering his things.Tommaso immediately seized the opportunity and smiled back with malice. "Divorced, eh? Guess she figured out t

Latest Chapter

  • Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret   

    Six

    Cassio leaned back in his chair calmly and waited for Vittoria to return. The low hum of the office was cut by the unmistakable clack of high heels and boisterous laughter. Cassio rose and turned to his left to find Milena flanked by Bruno strode into the office. Her smug expression contorted sour as she scanned the room, undeniably unimpressed.Tommaso, ever eager to stir trouble, smirked at their arrival. “Well, well, look who decided to show up. The happy couple?” he sneered.Milena tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Save it. I’m not here for pleasantries.” She raised her voice, addressing the room. “I want everyone to know I’ve divorced this fraud.” She marched over to Cassio’s desk and slammed a document down in front of him. “Here’s proof!”The room fell silent; all eyes were on the divorce certificate. Cassio barely looked at it before he started gathering his things.Tommaso immediately seized the opportunity and smiled back with malice. "Divorced, eh? Guess she figured out t

  • Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret   

    Five

    The air was cold in that office after the sharp reprimand by Vittoria Lombardi. Workers looked furtively at one another seemingly not knowing what to say or do next, while Cassio calmly and unhurriedly approached the door leading out."Mr. Moretti," called Vittoria after him-authoritative voice drowning the murmurs-"I would like to speak with you privately in my office."Cassio hesitated a second before nodding. Of course, Ms. Lombardi.He followed her down the sleek hall to the big corner office. The room, much like its occupant, was in glass from floor to ceiling-framing a view of the city skyline-minimalistic decor screaming power and sophistication. Vittoria waved him to take a seat and he did as directed."Would you like some coffee?" she offered much more relaxed now."No, thank you," said Cassio politely.Vittoria leaned back in her chair, folding her hands on the polished desk. “I’m going to get straight to the point, Mr. Moretti. Your departure would be a significant loss to

  • Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret   

    Four

    Cassio's and Silvia's SUV disappeared down the tortuous road, leaving Milena and Bruno eating its dust of humiliation. Milena wiped the last of her tears and turned to Bruno, who was kicking the crushed remains of his car in frustration."Don't let it get to you," Bruno grumbled, throwing his arms in the air. "That whole charade back there was obviously staged. Who drives a '€10 million SUV' around and wastes their time with us? It's a bluff. A pathetic one."Milena hesitated but nodded slowly. “You’re right. It has to be. Cassio must’ve done this to make me regret leaving him.” She straightened her posture, forcing a smile. “But it won’t work. He’s probably drowning in debt, and that flashy woman—what’s her name? Silvia?—was probably hired to play along.”Bruno smirked. “Exactly. They’re desperate, trying to act high and mighty to fool us. But you’re smarter than that, babe.”She clung to the words as relief settled in. "Yeah, I'm smarter than that. Now we really can start building o

  • Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret   

    Three

    The shock in Bruno's face gave way to near fascination as Silvia stepped toward him. That confident stride, the sharp features, and those piercing blue eyes had him entranced. He puffed out his chest and ran his palms against his pant legs in a weak attempt at composed behavior."Well, well," he began smoothly. "I don't know who you are, but you've got quite the .fiery personality.".Silvia was about as subtle as it gets. "Flattery isn't going to fix that mangled excuse of a car you're driving." She gave him a disapproving once-over. "And no amount of money could fix that face."Bruno's smirk was gone. "Watch your mouth, lady!" he snapped. Earlier admiration gone, his face had turned red with anger. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?Silvia tilted her head, feigning thought. “Hmm… A lowlife who thinks flaunting a car loan makes him important?”Milena jumped to Bruno’s defense, stepping between him and Silvia. “Don’t talk to Bruno like that! He’s worth more than you’ll ever b

  • Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret   

    Two

    The morning weighed wordless between Cassio and Milena, who faced the gray sky as they stood at the bus stop. Cassio clutched the divorce papers in his hand while entombing the other deep in his coat pocket. Milena scrolled her phone, expressionless.He turned to her then, his heart heavy either way. "Milena," he said quietly, first to break the silence, "are you sure about this?"She let out a deep sigh, her eyes still on her screen. "We have been through this, Cassio. Yes, I am sure.His jaw was clenched, but he refused to let the conversation go. "I mean, really sure. I'm giving you one last chance-one last chance to think about what we've shared, what we've built, even if it's small.Milena finally lifted her head, and her eyes were colder than ice. "What we've shared?" She laughed in anger. "Cassio, what have we built? A shack in the middle of nowhere? A life where every penny is accounted for? I told you before, this is not what I want."For the first time, Cassio's voice went s

  • Secretly A Billionaire: His Ex Wife Regret   

    One

    The golden sheen of sunset makeup cast a soft glow into the modest living room of the Moretti home. A fire crackled upon the hearth as Cassio adjusted a chair, calloused hands betraying his new life of labour. He looked at the time; his heart grew with anticipation.Tonight was to be special. He had been planning for weeks."Milena," he called, the deepness of his voice carrying through the house, "are you ready? Dinner's almost served."Milena came out of their bedroom, her face taut, lips pursed. She was in a simple dress but the beauty of her was overwhelmed by an aura of discontent.Dinner?" she echoed, cocking one eyebrow. "Cassio, I thought we decided to celebrate somewhere… decent. Not in this…"Her hand flailed around the room in distaste.The lines in Cassio's forehead deepened a bit further, though his tone remained even. "I thought it meaningful to celebrate here; it is where we built our life together.Milena snorted. "Our life? This isn't a life, Cassio. It's survival. I